Conrad Johnson Classic 120se vs. Cary Audio Design CAD120 MKII?


Hi All -

I'm looking to purchase an American made tube power amplifier of at least 100 watts. Looking to purchase new as I'm keen on a warranty. If I do have issues, I'd really like to be able to have a US-based manufacturer be able to address any repairs issues. 

Not interested in mono-blocks due to space constraints and my wife's aversion to more stuff in the living room. 

I'm ready to pull the trigger on the Conrad Johnson Classic 120se. 

I have, however, realized that Cary Audio makes a 120 watt tube amp that is about half the price of the Conrad Johnson 120SE model I'm ready to purchase. 

My question to you: 

Does anyone have familiarity with these two models? In terms of sound quality, is the Conrad Johnson worth the extra cost? In terms of reliability, can anyone share their experience with these two brands? Is there a difference in house sound? 

 

I terms of my own preferences, I'm looking for air, openness, warmth and an holographic sound. 

I really appreciate your feedback! 

My gear: 

Cardas clear power and speaker cables 
Puritan 136 purifier 
Innuous ZENith music server 
Merason DAC1 
Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL preamp 
Currently using a Audio Hungary 100 Watt tube power amp 


Fingers crossed someone can provide perspective on Conrad Johnson vs. Cary Audio 




 

bluethinker66

@jeffseight - I have found that the Linear Tube Audio preamp brings a ton of detail that I’d been missing with my former tube preamp. It’s pretty amazing. The combo of the LTA preamp with a tube power amp brings the best of both worlds for me. 
 

I actually went and demoed the xa160.8 amps (they didn’t have the xa60.8 amps available to demo, the xa160.8 are too expensive for me), and wasn’t terribly impressed. I was expecting to be blown away, but I wasn’t. Maybe they were not warmed up sufficiently? 
 

Question for you: what solid state amps would you recommend? I would like at least 100 watts of power to drive my speakers. I have a very large room to fill. 
 

I have been curious about CODA… 

 

 

@bluethinker66 

You are getting some good inlet, but what speakers are you using and what is your room like? You may or may not need 120 watts. Happy to share some thoughts once I have more information.

Correction. input not inlet.

BTW I have a Pass XA25 and CJ Classic 120SE, Merason DAC1, and Innuos Zenith.

 

 

@cellorover - Thank you for your reply. 

I have QLN Prestige Three speakers (8 ohms, 87.5 sensitivity). My room is large - it's a combination of a dining room, kitchen, living room - modern open layout. The ceilings are high, as well. 

I also have the Innuous Zenith, Merason DAC1 and LTA microzotl preamp. I've been using a 100 watt Audio Hungary tube amp, which has produced fantastic sound with the other components. Given the large space, I feel anything less than 100 watts just might not be enough... 

I realized I actually liked my own system more than the Pass Labs xa160.8 amps I demoed a few weeks back. I am, however, keen to have a US-based tube product to more easily deal with repairs, hence my desire to purchase the CJ or Cary tube power amp. 

I'd welcome your thoughts and advice! 

@bluethinker66 I actually went and demoed the xa160.8 amps (they didn’t have the xa60.8 amps available to demo, the xa160.8 are too expensive for me), and wasn’t terribly impressed. I was expecting to be blown away, but I wasn’t. Maybe they were not warmed up sufficiently?

Can you share a little more and describe what was missing for you with the xa160.8 amps? Did you bring them home or hear them somewhere else? How long did you let them stay powered up before sitting down doing any critical listening? (yes, if they had been sitting a while that first warmup for 24hrs helps, a lot). I checked out your speakers. Reading above about your larger room space to fill, high ceilings, open room setting, and the desire to stay away from mono amps - makes me think you’re going to end up needing a fairly capable and robust stereo amp to fill the house if that’s what you really want. Helps to know if you like a more open/large and detailed sound or something a bit smoothed over, not so forward or detailed. Also helps to know if you have carpeted areas or lots of hard floor surfaces in these large open spaces adjacent to your audio system listening space.